Irrigation Water Capture Reuse

Purpose/Function:

Water would be recirculated for irrigation in nursery and greenhouse operations or irrigated at the proper times of year on other vegetation capable of trapping nutrients at agronomic rates, such as cool season grasses.

Initiation protocol:

Contact the local Soil Conservation District or University of Maryland Extension for assistance.

Implementation Factors (level of difficulty):

Difficult.

Costs:

Cost Estimates

EPA

MDA

Average

Initial

$-

$7,500

$7,500

Annual

$-

$-

$-

Lifespan (yrs)

$-

15

15

Annualized

$-

$500

$500

Load Reduction Efficiency:

Average Total Nitrogen removed per acre of practice per year

Low

99.20 lbs.

Medium

103.88 lbs.

High

182.42 lbs.

Cost per pound removed: between $3 and $5

Average Total Phosphorous removed per acre of practice per year

Low

29.25 lbs.

Medium

38.72 lbs.

High

47.99 lbs.

Cost per pound removed = between $10 and $17

Average Total Suspended Solids removed per acre of practice per year = N/A

Operation & Maintenance:

Proper maintenance involves anticipating the need for repairs and replacement of worn mechanical parts and damaged or broken pipes. Spare parts of commonly needed items should be kept on hand for emergencies. Periodic inspection of supply ditches or pipes, mechanical equipment (such as pumps, nozzles, emitters and filters) and distribution systems should be made throughout the irrigation season. It is a good idea to perform preventative maintenance in the fall, winter, and/or early spring to be ready for the next irrigation season.